A History of Mademoiselle Jeanne Lanvin

Rather than a runway show to present an updated look from Lanvin’s past collections, the Palais Galliera, a prominent fashion museum in Paris, collaborated with artistic director Alber Elbaz to curate an exhibition which honored the house’s founder, Jeanne Lanvin (1867-1946). The first exhibition of its kind, it features models from Lanvin’s archive over the years, serving as an enchanting chronology of the fashion house’s heritage.

Patrons of the exhibit will get a first-hand look at premium embroidery fabrics, patterns and their usage in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is everything we think of when it comes to classic Parisian couture. The art déco style is present as well, with black-and-white geometrical patterns, ribbons, silk tassels and crystals sponsored by Swarovski. Notable looks include a black shift dress with textured golden sleeves, a black A-line gown with abstract gold embroidery, and a cream ballgown with cape sleeves.

“I’ve never worked with a museum, and I was a bit worried about my lack of experience,” said Elbaz in an interview with Fashion One. “The only thing I asked for was to be a bit less intellectual, fewer details of being chronological, I just wanted to escape this world of information. Even if we might not have this high-tech feeling, we still live in an industry with women, couturiers, threads and dresses and fabrics and people. That’s our strength.”

Jeanne Lanvin was indeed a pioneer in the world of haute-couture fashion, and her experimental, yet accessible aesthetic has prevailed for the past 125 years. Patrons will be pleased to see her vintage work untouched by today’s socio-technological climate.

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